We're hosting a young family from Scotland for a couple of weeks - mom, dad and cute-as-a button 30-month-old daughter. We had been the lady's host family when she was here as an exchange student in '94, and now she's come back to see us. Delightful friends! And what did they bring but a bottle from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society! This thing is unbelievable! A single malt, single cask, one of only 291 bottles from that cask, 120 proof and TWENTY-FOUR YEARS OLD! They arrived Sunday and we've not cracked it yet.... but will soon. Rory says he tasted it at the society's main facility in Leith before choosing it to bring to us. The attached tasting note reads: "A substantial nose of spice and cloves. With water the nose has black pepper, rolling tobacco, honeycomb and stewed fruits. The full strength palate is full, spicy and edgy. A spicy exciting whisky." (Notice, no "e" in whisky here.)

We finally cracked this stuff last night.... just couldn't stand it any more. Holy smokes! The SMWS tasting note is accurate. I poured about 1 1/2 oz. each into crystal tumblers and added about 1/2 oz. of spring water, and it blossomed in the glass into the absolute finest whiskey I've ever had! No sting, no bite, just golden velvet slipping down the hatch. We had two while watching "Defiance" on DVD, the true story of a band of Polish Jews who battled the Nazis in WWII. Superb flick, magnificent whiskey!

They were scheduled to leave for home on Saturday but the Icelandic volcano had other ideas. They've been told by British Airways to sit tight until this next Sunday, when maybe they'll get lucky.

In the meantime, we're continuing to raid the cellar, cook up some wonderful meals, and have a great old time. They're preparing leg of lamb for us tonight, and we've invited additional friends over to join in - retired Texas Ranger and his frau. Wishing the other thousands - millions? - affected travelers around the world could do as well.

Got 'em to the airport at 5:30 this morning to begin their 22-hour trip home (includes an 8-hour delay in Dallas). We all had a great time and limited the damage to the cellar stock to about three cases (plus three cases of beer). Think it's about time for a sabbatical.